COMMUNITY FORUM

whirlpool dryer - hum

I bought a whirlpool electric dryer about 2 years ago and I have never had a problem until now. I dried a load of laundry two days ago and it worked fine but when I tried yesterday the dryer would not start.

When I push the start button the drier just makes a humming noise. The drum will not turn and the heater core does not get hot.

The dryer is getting power and the door seems to be shutting properly.

** When I push the start button the drier just makes a humming noise. **

Can you tell if the humming noise is the motor running but without the drum turning or maybe the humming is just from the motor *trying* to run but is seized/jammed?

If the former, rpxlpx might be right, the belt could have broken or fallen off. Also, depending on the dryer's model number, there may be a 'belt break' switch which if defective could present those symptoms as well.

You can find tips for locating the model number tag on your appliances in the 'Repair Parts' section of my site linked below.

** The drum will not turn and the heater core does not get hot. **

The heater will not come on until the motor gets up to full speed and running on its own as a safety precaution.

With the back panel of the dryer open the sound seems to definitely be coming from the motor, though there is no movement of the drum or blower. The humming sound continues for a couple of minutes and then automatically stops. After a minute or so I could smell something melting?

** The humming sound continues for a couple of minutes and then automatically stops. **

That is likely the motor overheating and cutting out on its internal overload protector.

If the motor isn't just jammed (possibly by a broken blower fan or something caught in it), the motor may be seized and need to be replaced. You can see the replacement motor used on your motor for your model at the link below.